Ideas to Update your Holiday Traditions

It’s that time of year again, time to start planning for your holiday celebrations with family and friends. Some of us have traditions that have been passed on from older generations and are now being continued in our homes. But, if you are celebrating your first holiday season in a new home or far away from your family and friends it might be a good time to create new traditions for your family that you can take home with you whenever you are able to visit. Here are some great ideas that you may want to add to your holiday season!

Start the day with a decadent breakfast! – So much emphasis is put on the dinner portion of the holidays, but as well know breakfast is the most important meal of the day. If you don’t typically host dinner or you just want to change things up a bit, host a breakfast or brunch with your favorite foods and drinks and invite the whole fam!

Take some alone time before all the family gatherings start. – Sometimes the celebrations can be system overload, especially if you have multiple places to stop. It’s important to take a few minutes for yourself to feel centered and relaxed and ready for all the chaos family holidays tend to bring. Have a nice hot cup of tea and read the paper or finish up a chapter in your current book. Take a quick yoga class (there are plenty of options online if your studio is closed for the holiday) or go for a stroll.

Make it a point to express what you are thankful for. – Historically this is a practice reserved for Thanksgiving but it’s honestly a great way to reflect on the important things surrounding any holiday. It’s easy to get caught up in the day to day and forget all of the great things you have in life, take a few minutes and go around the table so everyone can say at least one thing they are thankful for this season then toast to a great holiday with family and friends!

Take a walk after dinner – Most of us plan early dinners on the holidays so we have more time to spend with one another and it allows everyone to get home at a decent hour too! If you are finished with your meal early enough take a quick walk before you plop down on the couch, your belly will thank you later!

Stay in touch with family and friends far away – We don’t all get to spend the holiday with family and friends but make sure they know you are thinking of them! Do a quick skype chat and share what each of you are making for your feast or take some video of your group saying hi and wishing them a joyous holiday and send it over. A little thoughtfulness goes a long way.

Whatever your traditions are the holidays are about spending time with those you love and giving thanks for a great year and making plans for the next. Really take some time to enjoy these moments with those around you!